SINGAPORE has inaugurated its first urban fish farm on November 19, housed in a container, marking a step in supporting local urban farmers and contributing to the nation's "30 by 30" food initiative, reports Singapore's Straits Times.

This goal aims to produce 30 per cent of the country's food needs domestically by the year 2030.

Situated on Tampines Street 11, adjacent to the Tampines Round Market and Food Centre, the container fish farm is poised to yield a harvest of the popular jade perch - a cherished fish delicacy - in the next four to six months, offering residents a local and sustainable source of this culinary delight.

Contained within a shipping container near Tampines Town Council are tanks nurturing jade perch that will reach market-ready sizes, typically weighing around 500g to 600g.

The Tampines Round Market and Food Centre Merchants' Association is partnering with local fishmongers to retail the jade perch, with a potential market price of up to US$38 per kilogramme.

As part of this community-driven project, the fish will be sold to fishmongers at cost price.

Social and Family Development minister Masagos Zulkifli expressed his satisfaction with the strong support from the Tampines community for the container fish farm project.

Mr Zulkifli highlighted the numerous applications received from the public, showcasing both resident and business enthusiasm for the initiative.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Mr Masagos, alongside three other Tampines GRC MPs - Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Koh Poh Koon, Mayor of North East District Desmond Choo, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment Baey Yam Keng.